In this child centered learning environment. students develop ideas, and listen to the ideas of others. Through writing, art, dramatic play and math activities, students demonstrate their understanding of their world.
Whole group lessons begin each day. Students also work in small center activities in math, science, social studies, reading, writing and social skills. The centers’ approach to learning allows for daily choices and addresses all learning styles and academic levels. Learning how to make effective choices is part of becoming a responsible student.
Literacy and Numeracy
Children who have a positive, interactive daily reading experience and are surrounded with a literacy rich environment will learn to read when they are developmentally ready. Frequent read-alouds encourage students to predict and re-tell stories and to respond to poetry. Direct instruction focuses skills that address different reading levels. The availability of material on a variety of different reading levels ensures that all students succeed when reading.
Students build a strong numeracy and recognize objects and develop knowledge of place value. Students take apart and rebuild numbers to develop familiarity with addition and subtraction. Students use non-standard and standard means of measurement in real-life situations. They focus on discerning patterns and studying throughout the year in a "hands-on" environment.
Science
Science involves hands-on exploration. Students ask questions, observe answers, and present information to a group. Students observe arachnids and insects. They study botany, anatomy, climate, chemistry and magnetism through hands-on experiences and demonstrations.
Social Science
Students see themselves as world citizens and practice HEART skills in role playing and everyday interactions. They participate in a variety of school-wide community service projects and gain a sense of how they can contribute to their local and global communities.